Untitled

Dominion, Volume 21, Issue 18, 15 October 1927, Page 28

Prom an orchardist’s point of view, Poverty Bay is in a. fortunate position, for while the manuring of the orchards is advocated in other districts in order to obtain complete success, it is stated by Mr. G. Mclndoe, orchard instructor at Gisborne, that not only aro continual applications of manure not essential, but they would act adversely on the trees and the crops (states the “Herald”). The flats on which the majority of the Poverty Bay fruit is grown is so rich and contains so much food for tho trees that It would be unwise for the orchardist to resort to yearly applications of fertiliser, as it would promote too much wood growth, and also would produce fruit too large for the export trade. Large fruit is not acceptable on the English market, and the size of tho apples that are required for export is smaller than what the average would be if the growers wished to force their trees. Dressings of manure are given when the occasion arises, such as when after heavy bearing the trees show signs of decline. One manure that might be applied with advantage in some parts and with certain varieties, states Mr. Mclndoe,' was sulphate of potash, which would add a little more colour to the fruit.